Historic Old Lemen Family Cemetery and Gravestones of Descendants of Capt. Joseph Ogle Recently Discovered in O’Fallon, IL

Rev. Joseph Lemen’s Grave (1785-1861) and the Old Lemen Family Cemetery were discovered on 11/29/18 by the O’Fallon Historical Society Cemetery Detectives, including our OOFA member, Tim Ogle. The cemetery was discovered on ½ acre of land off of Lemen Settlement Rd. in O’Fallon, St. Clair Co., IL, about 2 miles east of Bethel Baptist Church. The Lemen Cemetery is listed on an 1874 St. Claire County Atlas Plat map. The property was owned by Issac W. Lemen. Tim Ogle estimates about 15-20 undocumented graves can be found there.

Rev. Joseph Lemen was an important historical figure in the early history of the state of IL. He was the son of Catherine Ogle and James Lemen Sr. and grandson of Capt. Joseph Ogle, noted IL pioneer and Revolutionary War officer. Rev. Joseph’s brother, James Lemen Jr. was a delegate from St. Clair Co. and signer of the 1818 IL State Constitution. Tim said Joseph’s headstone is one of the best preserved stones he has seen. Tim, along with other members of the Cemetery Detectives, cleared the overgrown brush and uncovered his stone buried under 8 inches of soil.

Rev. Joseph Lemen took over as the pastor of Bethel Church after his father passed away in 1823. He organized many churches during his 50 years as a pioneer- preacher and covered areas from Kentucky to Iowa. His wife, Mary “Polly” Kinney’s gravestone (1792-1863) was also discovered. Her brother, William Kinney, was the 3rd Lieutenant Governor of Illinois.

Rev. Joseph and Polly’s sons, Joseph K. (1817-1895), James K. (1811-1884) and Robert C. (1823-1892) are also buried in the new found cemetery. Son, Joseph K. served as a Captain in the Mexican American War and served in the Civil War in the 63rd IN VOL, achieving the rank of Major.

Thanks to the O’Fallon Historical Society Cemetery Detectives and Cousin Tim for finding and reporting this exciting new discovery!

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